Now Playing in Japan

Are you a big import gamer? Were you anticipating a more balanced, well-rounded list covering most major systems for this week? Then you've followed the right link!

This weekly section of IGN will keep you up to date on what games were released over the previous week in Japan. If you want to keep informed of the import scene, be sure and check back every week.

The following games were released between 02.14.05 and 02.20.05. Click on the name to see all of IGN's current coverage on the title.

PLAYSTATION 2

Gladiator Road to Freedom Publisher: Ertain Genre: History, Action, RPG; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 150K Don't confuse this with the other gladiator games on the PS2 -- this one's made for Japan. Set in the Roman Empire, you train and fight as a sword fighter. You start the game off by answering a series of questions which determine the background, initial skills and appearance of your gladiator. As you work your way through skill tests and training, you earn points which can be freely distributed between different stats. From there, you enter real-time action-oriented fights in the arena, making use of a number of skills. Win, and you go up in rank and earn rewards, with the promise of eventual freedom.

Shinseiki Yusha Taisen Publisher: Atlus Genre: Anime, Robog, Simulation, RPG; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7329 yen, Memory: 254K One of the first Takara-developed titles to be published under the Atlus gaming label, Shinseiki Yusha Taisen is a simulation RPG featuring robots who appeared in numerous Sunrise and Takara anime properties. Playing as main character Chouta Nayuta, you warp between various worlds, teaming up with heroes along the way to defeat enemy robots. Battles are set up in overhead strategy style, similar to Super Robot Wars. You make use of a number of robots, using long and short distance attacks to defeat the enemy. Some of the more powerful attacks make use of CG video scenes. Between missions, the game's storyline progresses through voiced conversation sequences.

Devil May Cry 3 Publisher: Capcom Genre: Fantasy, Violence, Action, Adventure; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 6980 yen, Memory: 361K The third Devil May Cry arrives first in Japan. Playing as Dante, you face off against your older brother in a story that connects directly to part 1. By defeating certain enemies, you earn new weapons for unleashing greater carnage. You also collect orbs which can be traded for special skills dependent on your currently equipped weapon. Once you've gotten far enough in the story, Dante earns the ability to transform to a powerful beast form.

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 70 The Kanshikikan Publisher: D3 Publisher Genre: Mystery, Adventure; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 2100 yen, Memory: 37K This Simple series game has you solve a number of mysteries by heading to the crime scene and collecting evidence and fingerprints which are then handed off to an expert for analysis. Your job is to manage evidence and string together a correct picture of the crime; go off on the wrong path and your superiors will grow angry and take you off the case.

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 72 The Ninkyou Publisher: D3 Publisher Genre: Fighting, Action; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 2100 yen, Memory: 74K Playing as the member of a Ninkyou group, you patrol your territory and help out people who are in trouble. You make use of basic punch and kick attacks in order to defeat enemies in your area, earning money in the process. Money can be used to purchase articles of clothing from nearby stores, which give you new attacks.

Zoid Infinity Publisher: Tomy Genre: Robot, Fighting, Action; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 55K In this port of an arcade game, you take control of Zoid machines in battle. The home version includes original modes of play, including a story mode, a mission-based survivial mode and a two player battle mode. You can also power up your Zoid by purchasing parts using points that you've earned in battle. New Zoid machines not appearing in the arcade game appear in the home version, with a total of over 100 machine types. Characters from the television show also appear in great numbers.

D1 Grand Prix Publisher: Yukes Genre: Cars, Racing, Action; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 35K This drift-based racing game is compatible with the GT Force and GT Force Pro steering wheels. Your goal is to drift, earning points as you slide into turns. A race's outcome is determined by point totals at the end of the race. Twenty cars are featured in the game, fully customizable by the player. Thirty-one real world racers also make an appearance.

Tensei: Sword of Destiny Publisher: Marvelous Interactive Genre: Kenjutsu, Action, Adventure; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 44K This sword-based action game is set in China and focuses on airborne attacks which are referred to as "Sword Time." Playing as main character Raiun, you find yourself equipped with a legendary sword, the Tensei Ken. Each of the game's stages has multiple missions which are freely selectable by the player.

XBOX

Star Wars Republic Commando Publisher: Electronic Arts Genre: SF, Action, Shooting; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 7140 yen; Memory: 479K Teaser ads for Episode III have started appearing in Japan. Note the EA publishing label on this title's Japanese release (the US version was published by Lucas Arts).

GAME BOY ADVANCE

Legendz: Sign of Neckrome Publisher: Bandai Genre: Anime, RPG; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 5229 yen; Backup Feature Included This is the second Legendz game, and it brings back the monster raising RPG gameplay of the original. You now have access to 103 "Legendz" creatures, and must raise them through battle, teaching them new skills along the way. Using a Soul Doll Adapter, you can connect to a separately sold Soul Doll to save your Legendz and call upon previously stored Legendz.

PLAYSTATION PORTABLE

Mobile Train Simulator + Densha De Go! Tokyo Kyuukou Hen Publisher: Ongakukan Genre: Rail, Simulation; Release: 02.17.05 Price: 5040 yen; Memory: 256K The PSP gets its first train simulation! Featuring three of the main Tokyo Kyuukou lines (the Denen Toshi Line, the Touyoko Line and the Ooimachi Line), as well as the latest line updates, along with a total of eight trains including the most recent 5050-kei cars, fans of Japan's train system should find a lot to like here. The game includes a Train Simulator mode, where you practice driving, and earn new lines and cars with successful runs. Also included are a learning mode, where you learn about the train system, and a Densha De Go! Mode, where you take one train through its entire line.

That does it for this week's game list. Remember, if you want to keep ahead of the full Japanese game scene, be sure and check out our weekly Gaming Life in Japan feature. The latest issue will be arriving to Insider later this week.